Two DDR2 Xtreem Memory Kits from Team Group Inc.. Page 5

Overclocker memory modules from Team Group Inc. are extremely interesting solutions and are very popular among computer enthusiasts, including the extreme overclocking fans. We are going to test two top Team Xtreem memory kits that boast a remarkable cooling system from Thermalright.

Installation Tips and More

The memory coolers have to be installed by the user. As we have already mentioned above, the memory kits come with two Thermalright HR-07 coolers included. The installation is actually pretty simple: you stick the included thermal pads to the memory chips on both sides of the module and then insert the module between the heat-spreader plates of the cooler.

The design of Thermalright HR-07 is pretty interesting but suffers from three significant drawbacks. Let me explain. The whole thing works as follows. The heatpipes attached to both sides of the heat-spreaders are bent upwards and end with pretty complex aluminum heatsinks with thin rib arrays. If you wish, you may also attach a 60-92mm fan to the top of the heatsinks using the accompanying extended retention brackets and screws.

The first drawback of the Thermalright HR-07 cooling solution is its size. The thing is that you will not be able to install the memory modules equipped with a massive cooling solution like that in the DIMM slots next to one another. Of course, most users have only two DIMM modules installed in their systems, but it will still be an issue for some potential customers. The second drawback is the fact that there is no way to ensure that the heat-spreader panels are being properly pressed against the chips. The only thing that keeps the memory modules in place once it is inserted in-between the heat-spreader halves is the thermal pad, which reduces the heat conductivity. The third drawback is the material the heat-spreader panels are actually made of. The heatsinks with heatpipes are made of solid aluminum, which is a proper thing to do, while the heat-spreaders are made of … steel! I cannot think of any logical explanation to this as the heat conductivity of these two materials is dramatically different. Of course, Thermalright engineers had to be aware of this, but nevertheless, the fact is undeniable: the heat-spreader plates are magnetic, which cannot be happening to aluminum.

When we installed the Team Xtreem memory modules into a mainboard on Nvidia chipset, we got immediate proof that they support Enhanced Performance Profiles technology: the SLI-Memory menu item became active in the mainboard BIOS Setup. When this option is enabled, the settings automatically change from “safe” ones that are recorded in the main part of memory modules SPD to the ones indicated on the module stickers.